MONGOLIE
Into the Heart of Mongolia: A Journey Through Vastness, Spirit, and Sand
Mongolia: Where Vastness Meets Spirit
Vast, wild, and timeless—Mongolia is a land where endless steppes, sacred mountains, and the mystical Gobi Desert come together in breathtaking harmony. Journey through its wide-open landscapes, where nomadic culture thrives, Buddhist monasteries whisper ancient prayers, and nature speaks in silence and stars. From the spiritual calm of Erdene Zuu to the golden dunes of the Gobi, Mongolia offers a deep connection to land, tradition, and self.
Meet and great at the Brussels airport and we get upon together on the long flight toward our destination.
The guide will meet you at the airport and transfer to Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. It will take an approximately 90 mins car transfer to your hotel. After short freshen up, we will do city tour starting from Gandan monastery, Sukhbaatar main square, Zaisan Memorial, State department store. Overnight in Kempinski. (LD)
After the introductions, hop into a comfortable vehicle and we start driving to Elsen Tasarkhai - Gobi type area with huge sand dunes. After lunch in a tourist camp, there is an opportunity for a camel ride trial through the sand dunes. In the evening, we will play traditional games and stay overnight in a tourist camp. (BLD)
After driving 2 hrs, we reach KharaKhorum. Mongolia's ancient capital, Kharakhorum, Chinggis Khaan's fabled city, was founded in 1220 in the Orkhon valley, at the crossroads of the Silk Road. It was from there that the Mongol Empire governed, until Khubilai Khaan moved it to Beijing.
The symbolic ruins of Kharakhorum (Harhorin), monumental walls (400 m of length) with 108 stupas, surround the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586. In 1792, it housed 62 temples and 10,000 lamas; since 1990, it has become an active monastery again. Turtles carved from the stone marked the boundaries of the complex. Nearby, Turkish monuments and rock inscriptions erected in 8-9th centuries in memory of outstanding fighters for independence. Quite a surprise for the scientists was the discovery of a burial of a Mongolian woman which dates to approximately the 14-th century where also two Egiptian masks, a wooden comb and a bronze mirror in a silk case were found. Overnight in Ikh Khorum hotel. (BLD)
We drive towards the Ongiin Monastery, formerly one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia founded in 1660. The landscape around the monastery is a semi-desert with endless wide-open dry steppe, random plants and rocks. Gobi Desert is not here yet, but the welcome gate is right around the corner. Then visit the temple, talk to local monks, and walk around. Night is at Secret of Ongi ger camp. (BLD)
Transfer to the Land of Dinosaurs, known to westerners as The Flaming Cliffs, Bayan Zag (Rich with Saxaul) is famed for its’ red sandstone cliffs which take on beautiful red and orange hues during sunset. Sculptural Saxaul trees grow in the arid rocky soil. The area is also recognized as one of the world’s largest dinosaur graveyards. In 1921, the American Roy Chapman Andrews discovered here some of the most important Paleontological findings of the last century. Since then, hundreds of archeological expeditions have come to this remote desert location, and even today with the assistance of local people dinosaur fossils continue to be found in the area. Drive for 3-4 hours (150km) to Flaming Cliffs, site known for the first discovery of dinosaur eggs and unique landscape. Try your luck for dinosaur fossils here. Overnight in Gobi tour ger camp (BLD)
Today 3-4 hrs driving to the west (200 km), we come out from mountain area into Gobi area with small hills. Reach Khongoryn Dunes, the biggest sand dunes in all Asia. The 350-meter-high sand dunes in Sevrei soum, South aimag, are called Khonguryn Els. These dunes are 20 km wide and 100 km long. The Khongurun River flows along the sand dunes and gives birth to oases. Then we will drive 10-15 km before the sunset to the dunes. Try two humped Bactrian camel riding, which are very comfortable.
Overnight in Gobi Erdene ger camp. (BLD)
We start driving south to one of the best ger camps of Gobi Desert near Eagle valley (3 hrs approx.). The Valley is in the Zuun Saikhan Mountain, located in the center of South Gobi aimag. The narrow Valley between high rock walls has breathtaking dramatic scenery, and no doubt is one of the beautiful places in the country. In rainy summers hundreds of small waterfalls appear in the rocky walls. Trekking camel and horse-riding tours are available to the valley. Overnight at Gobi Mirage. (BLD)
After driving few hours, we will reach White Stupa. Discover unbelievable Tsagaan Suvarga (or White Stupa), which is located in Dundgovi (Middlegobi) province in Southern Mongolia. It is over 60m tall at its highest point and continues for an impressive length of 400m. Standing on the top of canyon can take you back in time when humanity was not created.
From a distance, the Tsagaan Suvarga looks like the ruins of a city or a building. It has been proven to be an ancient dinosaur land and home to giant animals. In addition to hills, sedges, straw, and buckwheat, the valley is rich in other Gobi plants, such as sagebrush and leek. This amazing attraction has become one of the best destinations in Mongolia for domestic and international tourists in recent years. Overnight at Gobi Caravan Serai camp. (BLD)
After a long drive to Ulaanbaatar, we install at hotel and dinner at hotel
Today you will have a free day to do shopping and exploring the capital of Mongolia. After checking in, venture out and explore the sprawling city of retro architecture, thrilling nightlife, wild traffic and exciting commerce. There’s plenty to see, do and eat. Overnight in hotel. (B/L/D)

